Transforming biorefinery designs with 'Plug-In Processes of Lignin' to enable economic waste valorization.

Biological lignin valorization has emerged as a major solution for sustainable and cost-effective biorefineries. However, current biorefineries yield lignin with inadequate fractionation for bioconversion, yet substantial changes of these biorefinery designs to focus on lignin could jeopardize carbohydrate efficiency and increase capital costs. We resolve the dilemma by designing 'plug-in processes of lignin' with the integration of leading pretreatment technologies. Substantial improvement of lignin bioconversion and synergistic enhancement of carbohydrate processing are achieved by solubilizing lignin via lowering molecular weight and increasing hydrophilic groups, addressing the dilemma of lignin- or carbohydrate-first scenarios. The plug-in processes of lignin could enable minimum polyhydroxyalkanoate selling price at as low as $6.18/kg. The results highlight the potential to achieve commercial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates as a co-product of cellulosic ethanol. Here, we show that the plug-in processes of lignin could transform biorefinery design toward sustainability by promoting carbon efficiency and optimizing the total capital cost.

Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate for the Clinical Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Using rate nephelometry, chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and Westergren sedimentation rate testing, we detected RF, anti-CCP antibody, CRP, and ESR in 134 patients with RA and 50 healthy control individuals. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in RF, anti-CCP antibody, CRP, and ESR concentrations between the RA and control groups (P <.01). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of RA were 91.0%, 74.4%, and 87.0%, respectively, for RF; 88.0%, 90.4%, and 88.1%, respectively, for anti-CCP antibody; and 90.2%, 83.3%, and 89.5%, respectively, for the detection of RA via the combination of RF and anti-CCP antibody. CONCLUSION: Anti-CCP is more specific than the other parameters we reviewed for the diagnosis of RA. Combined detection of the 4 parameters is beneficial when confirming a diagnosis of RA.